Persoons takes new legal steps against the deterioration of the Chinese Pavilion and Japanese Tower

Brussels State Secretary for Urban Planning and Heritage Ans Persoons filed a ‘demand for an injunction’ on Friday against the deterioration of the Japanese Tower and the Chinese Pavilion, as well as the Orangery of Hertoginnedal and the Swimming Pool of the Résidence Palace.

She had previously given notice of default to Federal State Secretary for the Directorate of Buildings Mathieu Michel. The injunction action is a substantive procedure aimed at establishing the existence of an act contrary to legislation or regulations and having it stopped.

“Despite unsuccessful attempts to enter into dialogue with State Secretary Mathieu Michel, and despite numerous reminders, the Japanese Tower and the Chinese Pavilion, as well as other buildings such as the Orangerie of Duchess Valley and the Swimming Pool of the Résidence Palace, which are the property of the federal state, has fallen into decline in recent years,” says Ans Persoons. She points out that the condition of these properties is extremely worrying and continues to deteriorate, even though these sites are protected by the Brussels Region.

Stated vague intentions

“And there is no progress in the matter… with the risk that elements with a high heritage value will be lost forever. The longer we wait, the more expensive and complex the renovation will be. As a resident of Laeken, a historian and State Secretary for Heritage, I find this a baffling situation,” the Vooruit.brussels politician continues. “After giving notice of default to the Buildings Agency and giving them additional time at their request to demonstrate their intentions, the Brussels Region has now decided to initiate an injunction action for all identified properties.”

According to the Brussels State Secretary for Heritage, the four documents submitted, in addition to the vague intentions already mentioned, do not reveal any urgent or short-term action by the Directorate. “No budgeted and planned renovation works have been listed to bring these buildings back into good condition. The Brussels region expected action, but only received empty words. The case has now been brought to court in the interest of the future preservation of our exceptional heritage,” concludes Ans Persoons.